Cuddalorepronunciation(help·info) (Tamil: கடலூர்) is a fast growing industrial city and headquarters of Cuddalore district in the Tamil Nadu state of southern India. Located south of Pondicherry on the Bay of Bengal, Cuddalore has a large number of industries which employ a great deal of the city's population. However, one industrial pocket -SIPCOT - has also secured it a place in the dubious club of global toxic hotspots owing to the area's high levels of pollution.[1] Cuddalore is known for its picturesque beaches, particularly Silver Beach, and, until the problems associated with its industrial development became known, had some ambitions of becoming an emerging tourism hub.

Etymology

Earlier the name Cuddalore spelt as Koodalur (means: confluence in Tamil). It is the place of Confluence of three rivers namely; South Pennar, Kedilam and Paravanar. Since the British regime, it has been called Cuddalore (like Tiruvallikeni in Chennai being called Triplicane).

Early history

In puraana this district is described as part of Sri. Rama Khetra. This district is a primitive one. Vridhachalam is an example where mountain once prevailed disappeared at times.Historic evidence available from madras district gazetteers south arcot published in 1962 reveals that the name ‘Arcot’ derived from Tamil ‘Aaru kadu’ i.e. six forests which was said to be the abode of six rishis. This district in Tamil called ‘Thondai Nadu’ and in particular ‘Nadu Naadu ’. It has a speciality ‘ Saandror udaithu’ i.e great and elite personalities possession of the district.

To prove it saivaite pathmakers Thirunaukkarasu, Sundarar born in this district. Maikaudar one of the sithas out of eighteen born in this district. This district is proud of possessing as birth place of Vallalar Ramalingar.

Ovvaiyar, the Tamil poetess gave in marriage angavai, sangavai, the daughters of pari the vallal in Tirukoilur to the king Deiviekan.

The famous typical and universal logic temple of Sri Natarajan is situated in this district. It is an interesting subject to scientists and innovators to research on the dancing postage of Lord Sri. Nataraja.

Cuddalore Town

There are two large divisions in the town of Cuddalore: the Old Town, and the New Town Thirupathiripuliyur or Tirupapuliyur The Gedilam River flows through the town and separates the Old Town from Thirupadiripuliyur. The Old Town has been a seaport since ancient times; Cuddalore traded with the Roman Empire approximately 2000 years ago. Archaeological evidence of these ancient trade relationships can be found in the Cuddalore Government Museum in Manjakuppam. The Dutch were the first to conquer it, followed by Portugal, France and later Britain. The British built Fort St David in Cuddalore near Devanampattinam. Cuddalore also has some very well respected schools, Colleges, the most popular among them being St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Manjakuppam which is one of the oldest schools, with all facilities. St. Mary's Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Sorkalpet is another girls school in Cuddalore. All these schools were founded by Europeans in the 17th century and they are some of the oldest surviving schools in India.

The town is well-known for its temples. This is one of the rarest town with both Saiva and Vaishnava temples. The most famous of these is the temple of Shiva (Saiva), one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. The incarnation of Shiva at Cuddalore is called Padaleeshwarar. The temple itself is located in Thiruppadirippuliyur center of the town. The other one is "Perumal" Temple in Thiruvandhipuram (Vaishnava) 7 km from Thirupathiripuliyur. Chidambaram, a city also known for dance and temples, is only 43 km away from Cuddalore. Cuddalore has famous Vaishnavate temples in and around the city. Tiruvaheendirapuram, the Sacred Abode of Lord Devanatha, is one of the ancient Vaishnavite temples and also one of the 108 Vaishnavite shrines sanctified by the visit of the great Alwars and Acharyas, held in great reverence by the devotees. This place is one of the two Nadunattu Tirupathis. It is situated 7 km west of Tirupapuliyur (Cuddalore New Town) Railway Station. Sri mushnam located 31 km from Chidambaram (Cuddalore), is the famous Vaishnava temple of Bhuvaraha. This is one of the eight Vaishava shrines. The image in the temple is self created (Swayam Vyakta) representing Varaha Avataar (an incarnation of the Hindu God MahaVishnu). The original image in marble is said to have been taken away by Krishna Deva Wodeyar of Mysore and installed at Sri rangapatna. There is also a temple for Veera Anjaneyar very near the bus stand.

Around 9 km from Cuddalore is the ancient Shiva temple of Tirumanikuzhi. It is one of the paadal petra stalas. Thiruvadhigai Veerattaneswarar Temple and Thirunavalur Shiva temple are also located around 15 km from Cuddalore.

Cuddalore's magnificent beaches are becoming a tourist attraction, especially the well-known Silver Beach. The boathouse near the beach is known for its beauty. The mangrove forest in Pichavaram is considered one among the healthiest mangrove occurrence in the world. A number of islands interspersing a vast expanse of water, covered with green trees and boating facilities gives special attraction to this spot.

Pollution in the SIPCOT Area

Cuddalore's recent past has been overshadowed by the consequences of its industrial development.

As in many other towns in Tamil Nadu such as Kodaikanal, Mettur or Karaikal in Pondicherry, development in Cuddalore has taken a heavy toll among local communities who have struggled to be able to defend themselves.[2]

Reports of the illegal dumping of toxic waste abound,[3] although very little progress has been made through judicial channels.

On 22 March 2008 a report for the Tamil Nadu Pollution Board by the Nagpur-based National Environmental Engineering Research Institute found that residents of the SIPCOT area of Cuddalore were at least 2000 times more likely to contract cancer in their lifetimes due to their exposure to high levels of toxic gases from chemical industries in the region.[4]

Geography

Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[6] Cuddalore had a population of 158,569. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Cuddalore has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81% and, female literacy is 70%. In Cuddalore, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

In the neighborhood are the ruins of Fort St David situated on the river Gadilam, which has a stirring history. As a small fort built by a Hindu merchant, it fell into the hands of the Marathas after the capture of Gingee by Sivaji in 1677. From them it was purchased by the English in 1690, the purchase including not only the fort but the adjacent towns and villages within "ye randome shott of a piece of ordnance." A great gun was fired to different points of the compass and all the country within its range, including the town of Cuddalore, passed into the possession of the English. The villages thus obtained are still spoken of as cannon ball villages.

From 1725 onwards the fortifications were greatly strengthened. In 1746 Fort St. David became the British headquarters for the south of India, and Dupleix' attack was successfully repulsed. Clive was appointed its governor in 1756; in 1758 the French captured it, but abandoned it two years later to Sir Eyre Coote. In 1782 the French captured it again, and restored it sufficiently to withstand a British attack in 1783, see Battle of Cuddalore (1783). In 1785 it finally passed into British possession.

Europeans started establishing their business settlements in Indian coast ever since 17th century. In the eastern coast French established their business settlements in Pondichéry and British established their settlements and business establishments in Cuddalore.

Later British started ruling the region and they built several forts. Fort St. David was the first fort built by British. Robert Clive, who laid a strong foundation for British rule in Indian subcontinent used St. David Fort as the centre for his military operations.

Fort St. David: Fort St. David was built in 1653 A.D. by Elihu Yale. The fort was strengthened on 1693, 1698, 1702, 1725, 1740 and on 1745.

Until 1758 Cuddalore was the capital to South Indian territories which was under British control then. British ruled a greater part of South India (entire Tamil Nadu, parts of present Andra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka) from this fort (St. David).

The fort was attacked by French in 1758. It was after this attack St. David Fort lost its political importance. The operational power was shifted to Fort St. George, Madras. Even today the post office in Devanampattinam (popularly know as Silver Beach) uses the rubber-stamp with Ft. St. David embossed in it.

Garden House: The present official residence of Cuddalore District Collector was then know as Garden House. It was then the residence of Robert Clive. The roof of the Garden House was built without steel and wood. It was built using only bricks and slaked lime. It bears testimony of the later medieval architecture. St. David fort was also built using the same ingredients and techniques.

The large vacant space next to Garden House which now know Chevalier Shivaji Arangam or Manajai Nagar Ground was an esplanade then. British used to have esplanades near their fortresses.

Brookes Pet: Brookes Pet is half a kilometre from present Vandipalayam. It was named after Henry Brookes who ruled between 1767 and 1769.

Cumming Pet: The area to north of Thriupathiripuliyur is known as Cumming Pet. It was named after William Cumming who ruled the region from 1778. Cumming Pet was once a place meant for washermen. On 1798 Tipu Sultan-The King of Mysore invaded Cumming Pet and the settlements there cleared on the invasion.

Cuddalore Old Town (O.T.) Present day Cuddalore O.T. was known as Islamabad during the Mughal period. Even today the majority of the people in Cuddalore O.T. follow Islam. Cuddalore O.T. has one of the oldest and biggest mosque in South India. The mosque and most of the houses there were built in Persian style. Until 1866 District Collectorate, Cuddalore Municipal Office and other administrative offices were in present Cuddalore O.T. In 1866 all these offices were shifted to Manjai Nagar. It was only after the shift in 1866 the term Cuddalore OT and Cuddalore NT (NewTown) came into existence. Still there are several streets and localities named after popular British rulers. Clive street, Wellington street are some to name.

Gadilam Castle: Nawab Umdat-ul-Umara built Gadilam Castle in 18th century. Gadilam Castle was located to the North of Gadilam river. It was built exactly in the place where the present Brindhavan Hotel is located.

Capper Hills: Capper Hills was named after Francis Capper who was the Captain till 1796. He resided in a palace in there. British built a prison in the Capper Hills. Freedom fighters like Barathiar and other prisoners of war were imprisoned there.

British Educational Institution: In 1717 St. David school was started in Cuddalore O.T. to educate the children of East India Company. In 1886 a college was started in its premises. The college was named after St. Joseph. It is one of the earliest schools in India which follows Western education system.

Roads named after British like Napier Road, Lawrence Road, Imperial Road and streets like Clive street, Wellington street, business establishments like Panpari market and Parry's House remains a reminder of the British rule here.

Famous people

Famous Indian Twins also known as "Arcot twins Brothers" Sir Arcot RamaSwamy Mudaliar & Sir Arcot Lakshmana Swamy Mudaliar were born & resided in this town.

Aswath Damodaran (famous Professor of Finance at the Stern School of Business at New York, grandson of Sir Arcot Ramaswamy Mudaliar).

Sri Muralidhara Swamiji was born in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, South India on 8 November 1961.

V. Vaithilingam (born October 5, 1950 in Cuddalore) was a Chief Minister of Pondicherry, serving from 1991 to 1996.

Justice K. Kannan, Judge, high court of Judicature at Madras. author of several leading law books including ones on injunction and insurance. Editor of the Oldest private Journal, Madras Law Journal [He also represented South Arcot District in Cricket (School and Seniors). Represented Combined Districts against the City].

Andrilparavai: Nickname given by herself for vocal: The fourth child of the Thamizh Nadu literary figure Paavalareru-Perunchithiranar, the vocalist was born in Cuddalore, Thamizh Nadu, spent her early childhood in Cuddalore, and later in Chennai.

Mr. Jothi Kannan [International Silambam and Kuthuvarisai Federation Founder, Grand Master, International Refree and Coach] lives near Cuddalore and has roots in Cuddalore.

The film director Vasanth, who directed many good films such as Aasai and Aapu, was born in Cuddalore.

Cuddalore Janani is a fast upcoming singer. She has a bagful of awards. The pick of the lot - National Award for Exceptional Achievement In Classical Music (Vocal) - 2001 from the Central Government and the Ilam Kalaimani Award from the Tamil Nadu Government in 2003..[10]

S.R. Veeraraghavan has been regarded as one amongst the talented young carnatic vocalist of new generation. He belongs to a family of musicians who resides in South Arcot District in Tamil Nadu state. He was born at Cuddalore.[11]

Kalalimamani Cuddalore M Subramaniam (1920 -1997) was a well known musician. He had give a lot of concerts including many at All India Radio. He contributed more than 500 Kirthanas and 72 Melakartha raga Kirthanas and Apoorva raga Kirthana/Varnams and Rajarajeshwari Puncharathnams. All of his songs with his “mudhra” of “PATALISA” are based on the deity in the Pataleeswarar Temple.

Peter Andrew Tranchell (14 July 1922–14 September 1993) was a British composer.[12]

Cuddalore has two railway stations, Thirupadirippuliyur and Cuddalore Port Junction, with station codes TDPR and CUPJ respectively. The station code for Cuddalore Port Junction was previously COT, as the station is located in Cuddalore OT. Thirupadirippuliyur railway station is located in the Cuddalore new town and is at a walkable distance to Cuddalore bus stand.

Cuddalore is served by the railway line Chennai - Villupuram - Mayiladuthurai - Thanjavur - Tiruchirapalli, popularly known as the Main Line. This line was part of the Villupuram - Mayiladuthurai Unigauge gauge conversion.

Cuddalore Port Junction (CUPJ) has a second railway line going to Salem via Vriddhachalam Junction. Currently, there are daily passenger trains going to Tiruchirappalli and Vriddhachalam at 6:00 AM and 08:40 PM respectively.

Investor Information

Recent Headlines reported that there is a Property Market boom in Cuddalore as land selling and buying was prohibited by law in Puducherry (Pondicherry).

Medical Facilities

There are hundreds of private clinics and a bunch of private nursing homes in Cuddalore. Almost all the surrounding towns and small towns are heavily relying on Cuddalore's Government Hospitals, doctors and private clinics for minor treatment and sickness consultations.

Business

Even though Cuddalore has a bunch of industries, the main business of Cuddalore in the past, was fisheries. The original Cuddalore town is called OT (Old Town), it was once an anchor point for imports and exports, but after the Government started accumulating and organising imports and exports to the nearest Metro city (Chennai), Cuddalore's labor force was diluted to Factories and Industries.

Currently, the Government is concentrating on small to medium sized industries in and around Cuddalore. Such projects are SIDCO, SIPCOT, Regional Palm Products Manufacturing Society, Regional Sugarcane Research Foundation and more.

The proposed harbour is currently making the news as it can attract the Ship Building industry to Cuddalore.

The Government wants to develop Cuddalore into a major city. The reasons are many:

The next biggest city to Chennai, that has a bunch of organised facilities

Best geography for a good Sea Port

Have a good history of Business and inland traders through the sea route

There is a good source of power nearby (Electricity - from Neyveli - Power Plants)

A brand new proposal is in the table for an International Airport in Puducherry (Pondicherry), which is 35 minutes drive from Cuddalore.

Doll-making is not only an economic proposition but also a passion for 20-odd families in Vandipalayam area of Cuddalore town.[15]

Industries

The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), a public sector company operating out of Neyveli, is located near Cuddalore. Of the total quantum of thermal electricity generated in Tamil Nadu, a large percentage—more than 2500 megawatts—comes from the power plants in Neyveli.

The 2004 tsunami

Tsunami waves that followed the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near Sumatra hit the eastern coast of India on 26 December 2004 by 08:32 in the morning. Cuddalore was heavily affected by the waves. 572 bodies were recovered and many are still missing. Several fishing hamlets have simply disappeared. Silver Beach and the historically important Cuddalore Port were devastated. Fort St. David survived without damage.

Cuddalore, being accessible from major cities like Chennai and Bangalore, received relief supplies relatively early. The management of relief operations in the district was handled by the local authorities and villagers themselves. Some remote villages became inaccessible due to a bridge breaking apart, leaving rescued villagers very anxious about their homes.

Politics

Media and Communication

Leading Tamil, English and other regional languages newspapers are available in Cuddalore. English dailies such as, Deccan Chronicle, The New Indian Express, The Hindu are available in Cuddalore. Tamil daily Dinathanthi has a separate edition for Cuddalore. Apart from that, other Tamil dailies such as Dinamalar, Dinakaran, Dinamani and Maalaimalar are also available in Cuddalore. Cuddalore falls under the Tamil Nadu Telecom circle. A station of All India Radio is located in nearby Puducherry (Pondicherry). The town also has several Local TV Channels.

List of leading Mobile networks in Cuddalore:

Network Name

Type

Vodafone

GSM

Airtel

GSM

aircel

GSM

BSNL

GSM

MTS

CDMA

Reliance

CDMA

Tata Indicom

CDMA

Cuddalore Central Prison

Tamil Nadu prison has eight major prisons - Puzhal (near Chennai), Palayamkottai, Vellore, Cuddalore, Tiruchi, Salem, Coimbatore and Madurai - across the state, apart from 107 sub-jails . Puzhal is the most recently built prison, while the other seven main prisons were built during the British rule.

The Cuddalore Central Prison, set up in 1865 A.D. is another historically important landmark as some eminent personalities and freedom fighters like Subramanya Bharathi and other political leaders had served their prison terms here.

Cuddalore Port

The Cuddalore Port is situated in Lat. 110 43 N. Long. 79049’ East at the confluence of the rivers Gadilam and Paravanar discharging as combined river into the sea in the District of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu. The ships anchor in mid stream at a distance of about a mile from the shore and cargo is loaded and discharged through lighters.

There is a bar at the mouth of the river, which maintains a depth of 5 to 6 feet at low water. During the months of July to September, the depth over the bar is reduced to about 3 to 4 feet.

From Wikitravel

Contents

Cuddalore is a town in Cuddalore District in Tamil Nadu. Cuddalore is
a beautiful town located along Bay of Bengal which is home to the
famous Silver Beach.

Get in

Cuddalore is also known as Thiruppadhirippuliyur or
Tiruppappuliyur colloquially. It is located 190 km south of Chennai and is well-connected
by road. The rail connection is not there as the conversion to
Broad Gauge is almost over and is probably open for usage in 2010
pongal festival.

Get around

You can reach Cuddalore from Chennai by State buses or private transport.
Takes about 4 hours via the ECR route. There are plenty of hotels,
and eateries here. it will be time consuming if you take an bus
through bypass ...

See

There is a famous Shiva temple here. Sri Paataleeswarar is the
presiding Deity with Brahannayaki Amman. This is an ancient and
beautiful temple. Five kilometres from the main busstand is the
town Thiruvahindrapuram where the famous Vaishnavite temple of Sri
Devanathan is situated. Hayagrivar Sannadhi in this temple is
well-known. There is also a temple for Veera Anjaneyar very near
the busstand.

Visit these temples and you can also go to the beautiful and
serene beach at Thevanampattinam, 4 km away. You can also find a
minor port over there.

Don't miss the "Paadaleswarar Temple", "Devanadha Swamy Temple"
and "Sri Veera Anjaneya Swami" Temple - near to Bus stand and
railway station - Thirupapuliyur. Also You can visit the " Sri
Pidari Amman Temple" adjacent to the Brahannayaki Temple - Both
these 2 temples are very close to the bus stand / Railway
Station.

The beautiful Manavala Mamunigal sannidhi is located in
Thiruvaheendrapuram.

Buy

You can buy good variety of Clay dolls for Navarathri from
nearby place Vandipalayam (about 2 km). Also, there is a town
called Panruti, 21 km from here, which is famous for its Palaa
Pazham (Jack fruit), Cashew nuts, and ground nuts. Panruti dolls
are also famous. This town is easily accessible by frequent local
buses.

Eat

A good number of hotels and lodges are here. South Indian and
North Indian food are available in these hotels.

There are good number of hotels available near Cuddalore Bus
Stand and the Railway station. Cuddalore is one of the places where
you can get the authentic South Indian food.

Be warned : All the hotels serve full meals only till 4
PM ! You can not get tiffin like Idli, dosai etc till after
4-30 PM

Get out

The entire visit may take about 10 - 12 hours and then you can
leave for Pondicherry, now renamed as Puducherry, 18
km from here, of the erstwhile French territory; or to Chidambaram another
town 50 km away famous for its Nataraja Temple.

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From LoveToKnow 1911

CUDDALORE, a town of British India, in the
South Arcot district of Madras, on the coast 125 m. S. of
Madras by rail. Pop. (1901)
52,216, showing an increase of io% in the decade. It lies low, but
is regarded as exceptionally healthy, and serves as a kind of sanatorium for the
surrounding district. The principal exports are sugar, oil-seeds and indigo. There are two colleges and two high
schools. In the neighbourhood are the ruins of Fort St David situated on the river
Gadilam, which has been as stirring a history as any spot in the Presidency. As a small
fort built by a Hindu merchant it fell into the hands of the Mahrattas after the capture
of Gingi by Sivaji in 1677. From them it was purchased by
the English in 1690, the purchase including not only the fort but
the adjacent towns and villages "within ye randome shott of a piece
of ordnance." A great gun was fired to different points of
the compass and all the
country within its range, including the town of Cuddalore, passed
into the possession of the English. The villages thus obtained are
still spoken of as "cannon ball villages." From 1725
onwards the fortifications were greatly strengthened. In 1746 Fort
St David became the British
headquarters for the south of India, and Dupleix' attack was successfully
repulsed. Clive was appointed its governor in 1756; in 1758 the
French captured it, but abandoned it two years later to Sir Eyre Coote.
In 1782 they again took it and restored it sufficiently to
withstand a British attack in 1783. In 1785 it finally passed into
British possession.